Mechanical shark tests its jaws at Ventura beach

Sharkzilla, the 52-foot mechanical shark that can crush objects with its giant hydraulic jaws, came back to San Buenaventura State Beach near the Ventura Pier on Thursday.

Crowd warmer Randy Kagan jokes with the extras Thursday during the filming of Sharkzilla's appearance near the Ventura Pier.

Special to The Star

Shooting a promotional introduction to the Discovery Channel's Shark Week, Philip DeFranco speaks in front of Sharkzilla, a 52-foot mechanical replica of a great white shark, as its jaws crush a sign that says "Shark Week 25 Years" on Thursday near the Ventura Pier.

Special to The Star

Extras cheer in front of the camera Thursday during the filming of Sharkzilla for the promotional introduction to Discovery Channel's Shark Week.

Special to The Star

The crew picks up pieces of a sign that was crushed in the jaws of Sharkzilla.

Special to The Star

Shooting a promotional introduction to the Discovery Channel's Shark Week, Philip DeFranco points at Sharkzilla, a 52-foot mechanical replica of a great white shark, as its jaws crush a sign near the Ventura Pier in Ventura.